We are simply appalled that the Elmwood Park Democratic Party, still led by Frank Caramagna, has put forth not one, but two of his immediate family members to fill the vacancy on the Borough Council. The cloud of suspicion surrounding the legitimacy of recent elections, in light of the charges against former Mayor Caramagna, should have been enough for the Democrats to demand a clean break from his leadership of their party.

But instead, the county committee, including Acting Mayor Golabek and Councilwomen Balistrieri and Wechtler, who all signed the endorsement of Caramagna’s wife and son-in-law to fill the current vacancy, chose to double down in keeping Caramagna’s influence on the Mayor and Council. At what point is enough enough? The embarrassment Elmwood Park has suffered because of these charges brought against Caramagna by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is bad enough. We do not need more skepticism by the public concerning the honesty and trustworthiness of their elected officials and how they are selected.

We call upon the residents of Elmwood Park to stand up against these nominations and demand better. Our team pledges to bring new, honest and transparent leadership to the Mayor and Council, and will govern under the highest of ethical standards.

~ Maggie Giandomenico , Tom DeSiervo & Tom Conboy